31 Maret 2015

Model patrol boats to intercept high speed Suncraft Piranha is introduced at LIMA 2015 exhibition. (photo : Jane's)Suncraft International Shipbuilding Company based in Singapore has teamed up with partners Radimax Group of Malaysia to market a patrol boat to intercept high speed titled Piranha ASD for the Southeast Asian nation.Piranha ASD is formed on the first idea is a high-speed train attack, but then it continues to be modified to perform other roles such as preventing piracy, border patrol, search and rescue . Earlier Suncarft also offers a similar version of Piranha ASD, length 17m for the Nigerian Navy."The cooperation between Suncraft and Radimax was established primarily to provide for ASD Piranha Sea Guard of the Royal Malaysia Police," said Idris Othman - the project manager's navy said at the Radimax LIMA 2015 shows past.However, Mr. Othman also stressed that, based on the positive feedback, and Radimax Suncraft received the invitation demonstration of the ability of Piranha ASD to wider areas, because this is a background basis in accordance with the Southeast Asian waters.According to the disclosure of Suncraft, Piranha can reach speeds up to 40 knots / hour and has a range of 180 nautical miles when running at a speed of 35 knots / hour. Ship can carry up to 4 to 6 crew.In the standard configuration, patrol boats equipped Piranha 2 pedestal 7.62mm machine gun mounted on either side of the back. The activists also have the option to equip the ship another weapon station remote control 12.7mm by Suncraft development.Besides providing Malaysian Coast Guard, vessel's capabilities have been demonstrated before Legislation Maritime Authority Malaysia. The company says it can reach the Coast Guard Vietnam and the Philippines to demonstrate the ability of the Piranha.(BaoDatViet)

UH-1D helicopters (photo : Timawa)A joint venture has a week to submit a verified position paper explaining why the Department of National Defense should retain a P1.26-billion helicopter deal despite its failure to deliver 21 UH-1 helicopters to the Philippine Air Force on time.

DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin has sent a "Notice to Terminate" dated March 25 to Robert Rice Jr., the official representative of the joint venture of US-based Rice Aircraft Services Inc. and Canada-based Eagle Copter Ltd. saying it would "partially" terminate the deal because it has failed to comply with the agreed delivery schedule of 21 UH-1 helicopters.

"Failure to show cause within the provided period, either by inaction or by default, shall cause the issuance of an order terminating the contract," the Defense secretary stressed.

The letter said that the joint venture reached the maximum liquidated damages on January 31 when it failed to comply with the agreement that the delivery of the choppers should be within 180 days since the Letter of Credit was opened.

"The Letter of Credit was opened in 27 March 2014 and the deadline for delivery for the Contract is on 23 September 2014," Gazmin wrote.

He pointed out that the DND gave a 13-day extension for shipment number two, composed of UH-1 with tail number 8969 and 8502. Its delivery date was October 16, 2014.

However, Rice Aircraft Services Inc. and Eagle Copter Ltd. delivered the units "in tranches." As of the date of the notice, only eight out of the 21 UH-1 helicopters and 21 sets of gun mounts were completely delivered to the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee.

When DND was still bidding out the procurement deal for the helicopters, the joint venture failed to comply with the documentary requirements set by the DND Bids and Awards Committee. It also submitted an unsigned document.

Last March 19, three lawmakers — Reps. Samuel Pagdilao of ACT-CIS party-list, Leopoldo Bataoil of Pangasinan, and Romeo Acop of Antipolo City — who were former police officials asked the House to look into the deal, saying the helicopters were obsolete and the transaction was done in bad faith.

"Instead of terminating the project, the DND allowed the supplier to continue with the delivery of the helicopters despite its vilations and conspicuous disadvantages, which are inimical to the modernization of the AFP," the lawmakers said(GMA)

HMAS Perth (ANZAC class frigates) with CEAFAR radar (photos : Aus DoD)The Australian Government had provided First Pass approval for project SEA 1448 Phase 4B – ANZAC Air Search Radar Replacement.The ANZAC frigates use their air search radar to scan at long ranges for potential threats. The radar is an integral part of a modern warship and important for ensuring the safety of the vessel and other friendly ships in dangerous areas. The current ANZAC radar is old and requires replacement with modern technology to maintain the robust front-line capability provided by these ships.In addition to the radar replacement, there will be an upgrade to the Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) capability to comply with future military and civil Secondary Surveillance Radar aviation requirements.

The project intends to replace the ageing long-range radar onboard the ANZAC class frigates with significantly more capable radar, with integrated and upgraded IFF capability, currently under development by CEA Technologies in Canberra.CEA is an internationally recognised Australian company that developed the successful Anti-Ship Missile Defence ‘CEAFAR’ radar currently being installed on the ANZAC frigates.The new radar will build on this successful technology to deliver a generational improvement over the current ANZAC long-range radar. The CEA long-range radar is expected to provide earlier warning of potential threats and greater situational awareness to the ship and the task group. The two radars share the same design principles and will provide a significant capability advantage to our ships.

The Department of Defence will continue to work with CEA to successfully develop this new technology. As part of a Risk Reduction Program with CEA, the technology is expected to be demonstrated in 2015‑16. In the event that the Risk Reduction Program is not successful, Defence may consider military‑off‑the‑shelf radar options.Government will consider the next steps for the project at Second Pass approval planned for 2016-17.The new capability is forecast to be in service by the end of the decade. It is expected that it will be supported by Australian industry throughout its life.(Aus DoD)

Hermes 450 UAV (photo : Miltech)Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen officiated at a ceremony to mark the achievement of Full Operational Capability (FOC) status by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s Hermes 450 (H-450) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) at Murai Camp this afternoon.Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Ng highlighted the significance of this milestone to the overall enhancement of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)'s defence capabilities. He said, "The Hermes 450 is one of the most capable UAVs in its class and indeed, the world. Compared to the older UAVs, the Hermes 450 enhances our Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capabilities with its extended endurance, advanced avionics and more capable sensors." Dr Ng also emphasised the importance of the role of UAVs in military operations today. He said, "UAVs have now become a critical asset to many military operations and have proven themselves to make a decisive difference to outcomes, whether it is in peacetime operations or battles."

RSAF Hermes 450 UAV (photo : Hirito)Operated by 116 Squadron, the H-450 is the first advanced UAV to achieve FOC status in the SAF. After taking delivery of the H-450s in May 2007, the UAV pilots, air force engineers and maintenance crew have undergone intensive training to operate and maintain the aircraft, as well as integrate the aircraft to support the SAF's operations.Also present at the ceremony were Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng, Chief of Air Force Major-General Hoo Cher Mou and other senior officers from the SAF.(Sing Mindef)Factsheet - Hermes 450 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) acquired the Hermes 450 (H-450) UAV to complement the Searcher UAV and Heron 1 UAV. Utilising a Wankel Engine, the H-450 is a single engine system with advanced composite structure and optimised aerodynamics. Its long endurance and improved detection capability provides the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) with better situational awareness in the field.

The capabilities of the RSAF's H-450 include a 3-in-1 payload equipped with Electro-Optical, Forward Looking Infra-Red system and a Laser Designator. This enables the H-450 to augment our battlefield surveillance capabilities by conducting a wide array of missions such as Target Acquisition and Designation, Reconnaissance and Battle Damage Assessment. UAV pilots are able to focus on collecting and processing information because the H-450 is able to operate on autonomous flight mode. This enhances the timeliness of critical information dissemination.The H-450 is operated from a Ground Control Station (GCS). Through the GCS, control signals are sent to, processed, and retrieved from the H-450. It is also equipped with a communication system that is able to transfer imagery real-time from the H-450. The H-450 operates using a two-man crew concept, each with the ability to fly the UAV and control the 3-in-1 sensor payload at the same time. This enables one UAV pilot to control the UAV and payload while the other focuses on collecting and processing information.(Sing Mindef)

30 Maret 2015

KFX Fighter (image : KDaily)Seoul (AFP) - South Korea on Monday selected Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and partner Lockheed Martin for a multi-billion-dollar contract to develop 120 "indigenous" fighter jets to replace Seoul's ageing fleet.The bid from KAI and the US aerospace giant, which is subject to a screening process before being officially approved, was always seen as the favourite for the 8.6 trillion won ($7.8 billion) deal over a rival bid by civilian carrier Korean Air (KAL) teamed with Airbus.The Defence Ministry also approved a separate $1.28 billion deal to buy Patriot PAC-3 missiles and upgrade its air defence system aimed at intercepting North Korean ballistic missiles.The KF-X fighter project is designed to develop and produce 120 fighter jets of a new, indigenous type to replace South Korea's ageing fleet of F-4s and F-5s."We have chosen KAI as the preferred bidder based on our review of... cost, development plans and development capabilities of the two bidders," the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said in a statement."We are planning to sign the (final) contract during the first half of this year after negotiating with the preferred bidder over technology... and the price," it said.The South Korean government is to provide 60 percent of the development costs, with the rest to be shared by the winning consortium and Indonesia, whose involvement is the result of a bilateral defence treaty.The KAI-Lockheed alliance always had the upper hand, as the same partnership developed the T-50 trainer, which is South Korea's first homegrown supersonic aircraft.Lockheed, which won a contract in 2013 to sell 40 F-35A joint strike fighters to South Korea, has promised to transfer key technologies for the KF-X project to Seoul.South Korea's military procurement needs, especially where the air force is concerned, have overwhelmingly been met by US suppliers in the past -- a reflection of their close military alliance.KAL had talked up its bid by highlighting the technical support available from Airbus, which is part of the European consortium that developed the Eurofighter.Airbus has made a number of bids for the South's military contracts, including a $1.38 billion deal to provide air refuelling tankers.The defence ministry's request for the KF-X project required a new design, although experts say a heavily modified version of an existing fighter model would also be acceptable.DAPA officials said South Korea would also buy an unspecified number of "hit-and-kill" PAC-3 missiles from Lockheed Martin by 2020 to improve its anti-ballistic missile capabilities.US defence contractor Raytheon has been selected to upgrade South Korea's PAC-2 fire control system to launch both PAC-2 and PAC-3 missile, DAPA spokesman Kim Si-Cheol told reporters.(AFP)

PAF S-211 aircraft (photo : Timawa)MANILA (PNA) -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has allocated PhP39,614,257.57 for the acquisition of spares needed for the upgrading of the environmental control system of one of its SIAI-Marchetti S-211 jet aircraft.The environmental control system provides air supply, thermal control and cabin pressurization for the crew and passengers.Avionics cooling, smoke detection, and fire suppression are also commonly considered part of an aircraft's environmental control system.Pre-bid conference is scheduled for March 30 at 11 a.m.at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City. On the other hand, bid opening and submission is scheduled for April 14 at 9 a.m. at the same venue.Prospective bidders should have an experience in similar project within the last five years.The PAF operates three to five S-211s and uses it for air defense and attack missions. (PNA)

28 Maret 2015

Missile Institute of Personnel introduce electronic block type 9P516. (photo : KienThuc)The Missile Institute staff has researched and manufactured successfully e-9P516 block - key components of the structure Igla shoulder-launched missiles.The scientific staff of the Institute of Missile Institute of Science and Technology Military - MOD research has designed, fabricated electronic block type 9P516. This is the main component of the structure 9P516 missile launcher Igla , prepared release function and Igla missile launcher in battle.According to Colonel Do Tuan Cuong, Head of Technical Applications missile, Missile Institute, author of the project "Research, design and manufacture of electronic block type 9P516 Igla missiles ", the team has mastered the technology and manufacturing electronic volume 6 of technical standards abroad; was transferred to the plant in the country overall structure assembled reporters. The author has completed the design documentation, materials technology electronics manufacturing sector in accordance with the conditions of skilled technicians and workers Vietnam.Based on the technology employed, the scientists also studied improvements, localized electronic block type 9P516 . Results, 2/4 block of electronic boards have been fully localized (produced from materials and components in the country), tested compatible and works well with the table structure prototype launcher; 2 other tables being studied under the direction of components used in combination with a foreign country, the first step to good results.The study design, fabrication successful electronic block type 9P516 high practical significance, to help master the technology, actively source components and materials; reduce dependence on foreign experts, contribute to improving the quality of technical assurance and ability SSCD.(KienThuc)

The full-motion simulators are part of a package for the delivery of 24 new MH-60R helicopters under an AUD3.2 billion (USD2.5 billion) contract to replace the RAN's 16 S-70B-2 Seahawk (photo : ABC)New flight simulator for Navy helicopter crewsThe Minister for Defence, Kevin Andrews, and the Member for Gilmore, Ann Sudmalis, today announced that the first of two Navy MH-60R Seahawk ‘Romeo’ flight simulators had been commissioned into service.The Seahawk Romeo training system is part of the $3.2 billion dollar investment that will deliver 24 new Seahawk Romeo naval combat helicopters.More than 100 long term jobs will be created in the Shoalhaven area to support the new Seahawk Romeo capability.The training system will include two full motion flight simulators and a wide range of sophisticated maintenance trainers, allowing Navy’s Seahawk Romeo crews to safely train in Australia across a wide range of operational and mission related training scenarios.HMAS Albatross in Nowra, has already begun training Seahawk Romeo crew, with a training capacity of around 80 students a year, including pilots, aviation warfare officers, sensor operators, and maintenance personnel.The simulators will prepare Navy crews for advanced maritime combat operations from Navy ships all over the world.It is expected that the second simulator will be delivered in 2016.The Seahawk Romeo helicopters are on track to achieve an Initial Operational Capability at sea by August 2015.(Aus DoD)

27 Maret 2015

Boeing AH-6i helicopter (photo : Boeing)KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama) -- Boeing and Destini Prima Sdn Bhd, a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) supplier for aviation safety equipment, today signed an agreement to explore potential opportunities for Destini Prima to provide services and support for Boeing's AH-6i helicopter.Boeing's AH-6i, a light attack/reconnaissance helicopter, is currently being considered by the Malaysian government to fulfill the country's attack helicopter requirement, it said in a statement.Under the agreement, the two companies will discuss opportunities for Destini Prima, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Destini Bhd, to expand its current expertise in aviation safety MRO to provide services and support for aircraft such as component maintenance."Exploring the possibilities for Destini Prima to build on its current services portfolio would not only benefit Destini Prima's business, but also is consistent with Boeing's aims to help expand opportunities throughout Malaysia's aerospace and defence industry," Jim Armington, East Asia & Pacific International Business Development Vice-President, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, said.Destini Prima Chief Executive Officer Tunku Johan Mansur said, "We are delighted to cooperate with Boeing to identify efficient and effective support solutions for the AH-6i helicopter and expand our aircraft-support capabilities."The Destini Group is a leading Malaysian integrated engineering solutions provider, while Destini Prima specialises in maintenance, repair and overhaul of safety and survival products and spares for the aviation industry.The group holds internationally recognised certifications from leading industrial regulatory and accreditation authorities.(Bernama)

Northrop Grumman mechanics perform final quality inspections on the center/aft fuselage shipset produced by the company for the first Australian EA-18G Growler. The subassembly will be delivered to The Boeing Company for final integration into a complete aircraft. (photo : Northrop Grumman)EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has completed and delivered to The Boeing Company a major subassembly of the first of 12 EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft ordered by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).The subassembly, also known as a shipset, comprises the Growler's center/aft fuselage section, twin vertical tails and all associated subsystems. It is the 115th Growler shipset produced by Northrop Grumman and the first to be produced for an international customer."We are honored to celebrate this significant milestone with the U.S. Navy and our industry partners," said RAAF Director General Capability Planning, Air Commodore Michael Kitcher. "I am confident that Growler will provide our air force with the most versatile and effective airborne electronic attack platform in the world."Including this first Growler, Northrop Grumman has delivered shipsets for 100 Australian F/A-18 Hornet aircraft, including 24 F/A-18 Super Hornets. Northrop Grumman is Boeing's principal subcontractor on the F/A-18 Super Hornet and its Growler derivative."Production of the first international Growler shipset marks another important milestone in Northrop Grumman's storied history as a volume producer of advanced aircraft systems of unmatched quality," said John Murnane, F/A-18 program manager and director, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. "Our consistent record of on-time, on-budget performance helps give Australia critical, new offensive and defensive options for its air combat operations."

Northrop Grumman produced and integrated the RAAF Growler shipset on its F/A-18 assembly line in El Segundo, which it uses to produce major center and aft structures for both F/A-18 and EA-18G aircraft. The company plans to continue producing shipsets on the line at least through August 2017."This significant milestone brings us one step closer to Australia becoming the first country besides the United States to receive this unique airborne electronic attack capability," said Dan Gillian, Boeing F/A-18 and EA-18G programs vice president. "Boeing looks forward to celebrating the rollout of the first RAAF Growler this summer."The EA-18G Growler is a derivative of the Navy's combat-proven, two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet. Its primary mission is to detect, identify and disrupt enemy air defense radar and related communication systems.In addition to producing the Growler shipset, Northrop Grumman produces and integrates the jet's primary electronic warfare subsystems, and provides related software maintenance and support services.Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.(Northrop Grumman)

Chinese-made Yuan class is favoured by the committee due to its specifications, Beijing offer 10-year payment plans. Yuan class is a class of diesel-electric submarine with 3.600 3.600 tonnes displacement (photo : pantip)A plan to buy submarines for the Royal Thai Navy is on again with strong backing from Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon who wants Thailand’s fleet to be on par with neighbouring countries. The sub plan, which has surfaced periodically over the years, re-emerged when Gen Prawit on Wednesday said the country needed to equip its navy with submarines as part of efforts to modernise the armed forces.The defence minister said chances were good that the navy can fulfil its deep yearning for submarines, but he stopped short of saying when funds would be allocated. "I can't say exactly how many percent (chance there is). But when I said the navy has a chance, it means more than 50% or 60%,'' he told reporters. The budget could be around 36 billion baht. In July, the navy opened an ultra-modern, 540-million-baht submarine base and training centre in Chon Buri province, even though the country doesn't own a single sub. Thailand has not had a submarine since 1951, but has been trying for several years to get some. In 2011, the military negotiated to buy six small used submarines from Germany for 7.7 billion baht and considered buying two larger new vessels from South Korea, but both deals fell through. Navy officials say they want submarines to protect the Gulf of Thailand and Thai interests on the high seas. But one worry is the spat over the South China Sea's Spratly Islands — claimed in part or in part or in whole by Brunei, China, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam — could erupt into a regional conflict that destabilises the region. The high-ticket price was the factor, however, that ultimately sank the submarine plan. This week, however, Gen Prawit asserted that the country needs submarines to keep up with other Asean countries Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam all have them. Keeping up with the neighbours A navy source said the navy quietly set up a committee commanded by chief of staff Thanarat Ubon to dust off the project in December after Gen Prawit gave navy officers a green light. The panellists visited Germany, Spain and South Korea, with China set to be their next stop in investigating sub sellers. The navy wants to buy two diesel-powered submarines with displacement of 2,400-3,000 tonnes. The source said the Chinese-made Yuan class is favoured by the committee due to its specifications. The U-class from South Korea and Germany also pinged the sonar screen. Chinese Defence Minister Chang Wanquan offered to sell weapons with special conditions and ''friendship price tags'' to Thailand twice when Gen Prawit visited Beijing in November. The offer, which also included 10-year payment plans, was repeated when the Chinese minister came to Bangkok last month. The source said navy chief Adm Kraisorn Chansuwanit planned to swap the position between Adm Thanarat and Narongphol Na Bangchang, who is a deputy chief of staff at the Supreme Command, in a mid-year reshuffle to speed up the sub project. Adm Narongphol was a key figure on the submarine team before he was moved to the Supreme Command, the source added.
(Bangkok Post)

RMAF F/A-18 Hornet and Su-30MKI (photo : Carl Brent)Boeing is more than halfway through a programme to upgrade the mission systems on board the Royal Malaysian Air Force's (RMAF's) fleet of eight F/A-18 Hornet fighter aircraft as it seeks to increase its presence in the market.A Boeing spokesperson confirmed to IHS Jane's on 26 March that system modifications on six of the eight RMAF Hornets have so far been completed. IHS Jane's understands that the upgrade brings the software capabilities of the RMAF aircraft to a comparable standard to that of the US Navy and Marine Corps.The programme, which is progressing as a US Foreign Military Sale, also allows the RMAF Hornets to operate the advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM) and the joint direct attack munition (JDAM).(Jane's)

26 Maret 2015

Dassault Aviation Rafale (all photos : Okezone) France asserted on Wednesday that it was willing to provide an industrial cooperation with Indonesia should the Dassault Rafale jet fighter be selected to modernize the Indonesian Air Force.French Ambassador to Indonesia Corinne Breuzé said that France was open to all cooperation possibilities involving French aircraft maker Dassault Aviation and state-owned aircraft maker PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI).“With the support of the French government, Dassault is open to any possibility of partnerships and transfer technology,” she said in a prepared statement. Other than technology transfer, she said that being 100 percent French, the Rafale would allow its users independence. “It is designed with Safran/Snecma for the engine, Thales for the avionics and MBDA for the armament,” she said.

Breuzé was speaking at an event to introduce the French jet fighter to the Indonesian public, at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in East Jakarta. She said that the decision to bring the Rafale to Jakarta, despite a high level of operational engagement especially in Iraq, was made by the French defense minister and air force following a courtesy call from Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu, who met his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian on March 10.Ryamizard also visited the Rafale’s assembly line in Bordeaux-Merignac during the March visit.Two Rafale jet fighters, a Rafale B double-seater and a Rafale C single-seater, arrived on Monday from the just-concluded 2015 Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition in Malaysia.

On Tuesday, the jet fighters performed three flights for Indonesian Air Force pilots who flew on the Rafale B, taking the back seat. There was also a solo aerobatic display performed by Capt. Benoit Blanche of the French Air Force.The Rafale is a latecomer in the competition to replace the aging American-made F-5 E/F Tiger II operated by the Indonesian Air Force.The French jet fighter is facing tough competition, locking horns with a stable of other contenders including the Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35, American-made F-16 Block 60, Swedish-made Saab JAS-39 Gripen and the Eurofighter Typhoon, a collaboration between Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK.

The Indonesian Air Force has repeatedly said it prefers the Su-35, the latest iteration of the Flanker family of jet fighters, although the final decision will be made by the Defense Ministry.Meanwhile, Dassault Aviation executive vice president for America, Africa and Asia military sales JPHP Chabriol told The Jakarta Post that the best example of French will to transfer technology was India, which selected the Rafale.He said that from an order of 126 units, 18 were supposed to be produced in France and the rest to be produced locally by Indian industries through progressive transfer of technology.“From French authorities’ point of view as well as from French industry, there is no limitation to transfer technologies of the Rafale to friendly foreign countries,” he said.“The only constraints we have are linked to the budgetary aspect, good sense and cost efficiency.”

He said Dassault and all associated French companies were quite open to discussions with Indonesian actors to set up a program that suited Indonesian requirements.“We are not imposing anything; we are ready for discussion to define what is the optimized scheme of transfer of technology in the framework of the Rafale bid,” Chabriol said.Other than technology transfer, Chabriol emphasized that Indonesia would get total independence if it selected the Rafale because, as it is a 100-percent French product, Indonesia would not have to deal with a third party.Another advantage of buying the Rafale, he added, was that it could be deployed with very minimal logistical support. (The Jakarta Post)

UH-1 Huey of the PAF (photo : Timawa)MANILA (PNA) -- For failing to deliver the 21 UH-I "Huey" combat utility helicopters on the stipulated time, the Department of National Defense (DND) issued a notice of partial termination to suppliers Rice Aircraft Services Inc. and Eagle Copters Ltd. on Wednesday.The two companies earlier formed a joint venture to supply 21 UH-I helicopters to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) for PhP1,263,600,000."In compliance with Section 88, Rule XXII of the IRR of Republic Act No. 9184 (Philippine Procurement Law), the contract agreement between the DND/AFP and the Joint Venture of Rice Aircraft Services Inc. and Eagle Copters Ltd. for the supply and delivery of 21 UH-I helicopters for the PAF with corresponding contract price of PhP1,263,600,000 shall be partially terminated for exceeding the ten percent maximum liquidated damages," the DND order signed by Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said.The letter was sent to Robert Rice Jr., the representative of the joint venture."Liquidated damages" refers to "at least equal to the one-tenth of the one percent of the cost of the underperformed portion of every day of delay."And once the "cumulative amount of the liquidated damages reaches 10 percent of the amount of the contract, the procuring entity shall rescind the contract without prejudice to the other courses of action and remedies open to it," DND said.It added that maximum liquidated damages was reached last Jan. 31.“You failed to comply with the agreed schedule of requirement of the contract agreement, which provides that the delivery should be within 180 calendar days upon opening of the Letter of Credit… The deadline for the delivery for the contract is on 23 September 2014,” the DND stressed.It added that eight out of the 21 choppers were only delivered as of Wednesday.Rice and its joint venture partner were given seven days to respond to the termination letter. (PNA)